International Game Technology creates, fills president position

Slot machine giant International Game Technology named Eric Berg to the newly created position of president Wednesday.

IGT Chief Executive Officer Patti Hart said the appointment of the nongaming industry executive would help the gambling equipment manufacturer move to a more distributed, global business model.

"I felt it was essential to add additional expertise, leadership, and capabilities to IGT," Hart said in a statement. "Eric's strategic insight, operational intensity, and global leadership are perfectly suited to help IGT navigate the next chapter of our business."

Berg served as CEO of SunGard Availability Services, a division of SunGard Corp. He held positions with NCR Corp., Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division.

Berg will be responsible for driving IGT's globalization efforts, helping to grow revenue and managing the company's sales, products, services, marketing, and manufacturing operations. Berg's appointment takes effect on July 18.

Nevada-based IGT maintains a significant manufacturing presence in Reno and has corporate headquarters in Las Vegas.